By Tamas Mondovics
In a recent release, Bay Care Health System was pleased to announce Matt Novak as president of St. Joseph’s Hospital-South (SJHS).
Novak is filling an opening created when St. Joseph’s Hospital-South’s first president, Scott Smith, was named president of St. Anthony’s Hospital in June.
Within its first year and under Scott’s leadership, the $225 million, 360,000 sq. ft., hospital located at 6901 Simmons Loop Rd, in Riverview, had 6,500 inpatient admissions, completed 61,243 imaging exams, treated 44,323 emergency patients, performed 3,344 surgeries and delivered 701 babies.
According to Bay Care officials, Novak currently serves on the boards of the Clearwater Free Clinic and the West Coast Federal Credit Union, and has a Master of Health Administration degree from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts from the University of West Florida, Pensacola.
Officially assuming his leadership role at BayCare’s newest hospital late last month, Novak has promised to work closely with the community as well as his team.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with the team at south Hillsborough’s only not-for-profit hospital,” Novak said. “Since its opening in February 2015, the hospital has quickly become an integral part of the SouthShore area, working to improve the health of the community through a combination of advanced services and a calming, healing patient-centered environment.”
Prior to his appointment as president of St. Joseph’s Hospital-South, Novak served as director of operations for Morton Plant Hospital, and has been serving in a variety of leadership roles.
“Matt’s promotion is a great example of the opportunities for leaders to grow and advance in their health care careers within the BayCare system,” said Kimberly Guy, senior vice president, BayCare market leader, Hillsborough. “Matt has led many initiatives and projects for Morton Plant Mease and BayCare. His ability to build collaborative relationships and his experience in strategic planning and operations management will serve St. Joseph’s-South well.”
Guy emphasized that Novak has gained experience working on cost management efforts across BayCare, managing Morton Plant Mease’s oncology services and helping to lead the team responsible for Morton Plant Hospital’s Doyle Tower and master facility project.
Novak’s promotion has prompted officials to conducting a search for a new director of operations at Morton Plant Hospital. For more information, visit www.BayCare.org.
